Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act

NSBAA Program News as of July 9, 2025, 12:00 pm

Program News at of 7/9/25 @ 12:00pm

Wednesday Program Updates…

Grant Funding Nearing Completion. On March 31st 281 new Program applications were received, and all these applications are being screened. Progress is being made to deploy remaining available grant funds. We anticipate final grant funding decisions will be made by September 2025. We estimate we have less than $800,000 in grant funds available making 45 to 55 new grant awards possible.

Business Planning Assistance to Continue through 2025. Significant funding remains for customized Business Planning Assistance. The quality of this assistance provided by the Nebraska Business Development Center (https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/index.php) is high. We recommend to those Program applicants not qualifying for grant funds to accept business planning assistance if offered by the Program.

Program to Discontinue. The Nebraska Legislature during the 2025 Legislative Session, at the recommendation of the Governor, has repealed the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act and no further new funding will be available. Once available funds are distributed GROW Nebraska will begin Program close out with the Department of Economic Development.

Stay Tuned on Developments. Stay tuned for updates each Wednesday at https://grownebraska.org/nebraska-small-business-assistance-act/. Remember, there are other small business assistance resources available to you through SourceLink Nebraska at https://sourcelinknebraska.com/.

Actualizaciones del Programa de los miércoles …

Financiamiento de las subvenciones a punto de finalizar. El 31 de marzo se recibieron 281 nuevas solicitudes para el Programa, las cuales se están evaluando. Se está avanzando en la asignación de los fondos restantes disponibles. Estimamos que las últimas decisiones sobre la asignación de los fondos se tomarán en septiembre del 2025. Calculamos que disponemos de menos de $800,000 en fondos para las subvenciones, lo que permite otorgar entre 45 y 55 nuevas subvenciones.

La Asistencia para la Planificación Empresarial continuará durante el 2025. Se mantiene una cantidad significativa de fondos para el programa de Asistencia para la Planificación Empresarial personalizada. La calidad de esta asistencia, proporcionada por el Centro de Desarrollo Empresarial de Nebraska (https://www.unomaha.edu/nebraska-business-development-center/index.php), es excelente. Recomendamos a los solicitantes del Programa que no califiquen para recibir fondos de subvenciones que acepten la asistencia para la planificación empresarial que ofrece el Programa.

El Programa se suspenderá. La Legislatura de Nebraska, durante la Sesión Legislativa del 2025, por recomendación del Gobernador, derogó la Ley de Asistencia a las Pequeñas Empresas de Nebraska y no habrá nuevos fondos disponibles. Una vez distribuidos los fondos disponibles, GROW Nebraska iniciará el cierre del programa con el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico.

Manténgase al tanto de las novedades. Manténgase al tanto de las actualizaciones cada miércoles en https://grownebraska.org/nebraska-small-business-assistance-act/. Recuerde que hay otros recursos de asistencia para pequeñas empresas disponibles a través de SourceLink Nebraska en https://sourcelinknebraska.com/.

NSBAA Program News as of 4/30/25 @ 11:33am, CST. First 125 New Applications being Processed. Following the March 31st reopening of the NSBAA Program application portal 281 new applications were received. The first 125 applications based on “first in time stamps”, are being processed at this time. The first 61 applications have been screened and recommended for further consideration for benefits, an offering for additional business planning assistance, or denial due to Legislative qualification criteria.

Further New Application Screening on Hold. New applications 125 through 281 are now on hold pending processing of the first 125 applications. Following the Program’s Wednesday posting for details when the next 60 applications or applications 125 through 182 are cued for qualification screening.

Business Planning Assistance. If you are offered business planning assistance this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for “one-on-one” help. If you accept BPA and complete it, your application for grant benefits remains active and once you complete BPA your application will be cued at the end of the 281 list. Remember, completing BPA will help you improve your business strategy and create an opportunity for grant assistance.

If You Do Not Have an Active Application, there are Resources! If you did not or were unable to submit an application for assistance from the Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act Program (https://grownebraska.org/nebraska-small-business-assistance-act/) on March 31, 2025 we do NOT anticipate additional application cycles in 2025.

However, you are not out of luck as Nebraska offers significant resources for small businesses. We recommend that you (1) talk with your local economic development office to learn how your community can help you with your business dream, and (2) use SourceLink Nebraska (https://sourcelinknebraska.com/) and particularly its Resource Navigator (https://sourcelinknebraska.com/resources/?sort_by=partner-asc&slrn_submit=1) to find assistance resources.

We understand that the grant resources associated with this Program are very desirable, but there are small business lending programs that can provide the capital you need to advance your small business startup or expansion. These lending programs can work with you, your bank and other resources to help you (1) to finance your business and (2) gain valuable technical assistance helping you be more successful. Use SourceLink Nebraska to learn about these lending programs. In most cases these resources are more flexible compared to the NSBAA Program.
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Las primeras 125 solicitudes nuevas están en proceso. Tras la reapertura del portal de solicitudes del Programa NSBAA el 31 de marzo, se recibieron 281 solicitudes nuevas. Las primeras 125 solicitudes, basadas en el primer sello de tiempo, se están procesando actualmente. Las primeras 61 solicitudes han sido evaluadas y se ha recomendado su consideración para recibir beneficios, asistencia adicional para la planificación empresarial o su rechazo debido a los criterios legislativos de calificación.

Se suspende la evaluación de nuevas solicitudes. Las solicitudes 125 a 281 están suspendidas a la espera del procesamiento de las primeras 125. El programa publicará los detalles el miércoles para saber cuándo las próximas 60 solicitudes o las solicitudes 125 a 182 estarán en la lista de evaluación de calificación.

Asistencia para la planificación empresarial. Si se le ofrece asistencia para la planificación empresarial (ABP por sus siglas en inglés), esta es una oportunidad única de recibir ayuda personalizada. Si acepta la Asistencia para la Planificación Empresarial y la completa, su solicitud de subvención permanecerá activa y, una vez completada la ABP, su solicitud se incluirá al final de la lista de las 281. Recuerde que completar la BPA le ayudará a mejorar su estrategia empresarial y a generar una oportunidad para obtener subvenciones.

Si no tiene una solicitud activa, ¡hay otros recursos disponibles! Si no presentó o no pudo presentar una solicitud de asistencia del Programa de la Ley de Asistencia para Pequeñas Empresas de Nebraska (https://grownebraska.org/nebraska-small-business-assistance-act/) el 31 de marzo de 2025, no prevemos ciclos de solicitud adicionales en 2025.

Sin embargo, todavía tienee oportunidades, ya que Nebraska ofrece importantes recursos para las pequeñas empresas. Le recomendamos (1) que hable con su oficina local de desarrollo económico para saber cómo su comunidad puede ayudarle a hacer realidad su sueño empresarial y (2) que utilice SourceLink Nebraska (https://sourcelinknebraska.com/) y, en particular, su Navegador de Recursos (https://sourcelinknebraska.com/resources/?sort_by=partner-asc&slrn_submit=1) para encontrar recursos de asistencia.

Entendemos que las subvenciones asociadas con este Programa son muy atractivas, pero existen programas de préstamos para pequeñas empresas que le pueden proporcionar el capital necesario para impulsar el inicio o la expansión de su pequeña empresa. Estos programas de préstamos pueden colaborar con usted, con su banco y otros recursos para ayudarle (1) a financiar su negocio y (2) a obtener valiosa asistencia técnica que le permita alcanzar el éxito. Utilice SourceLink Nebraska para conocer estos programas de préstamos. En la mayoría de los casos, estos recursos son más flexibles que el Programa NSBAA.

Benefit Overview

Business Planning Assistance

If the NSBAA screening team determines an applicant’s business plan and application are underprepared for grant or professional service benefits, applicants will have the opportunity to work with a service provider on their business plan and financial projections.

Professional Services Assistance

Professional services can include a variety of services completed by third-party providers. Allowable services are outlined in benefit requirements.
Maximum benefit assistance: Receive up to $10,000 as a standalone benefit or combine professional services with a grant—$25,000 for new businesses or $12,500 for existing businesses.

Existing Business Grant Assistance

Existing Businesses may qualify for a grant to refine their business and support the continuation of growth.
Maximum benefit assistance: Applicants may receive funding through a grant and/or professional services, but the total combined amount cannot exceed $12,500.

New Business Startup Grant Assistance

New Businesses may qualify for grant dollars to assist with the startup of a new business.
Maximum benefit assistance: Applicants may receive funding through a grant and/or professional services, but the total combined amount cannot exceed $25,000.

Benefit Application Requirements

Basic Requirements

Business Planning Assistance

Professional Services

Existing Businesses

New Businesses

Basic Requirements

The applicant’s business must be in Nebraska.
Applicant must currently or planning to be a Nebraska resident.
Applicant is 19+ years of age.
Applicant must be legally in the United States.
The business is for-profit.
The applicant does not have a material interest in another business.
The applicant has at least 50% or more ownership share in the proposed business.
The applicant is actively engaged in the business’ development and operation.
The applicant provides a business plan with financial projections.

Business Planning Assistance

Applicants must meet all basic requirements.
This benefit is offered to applicants with plans determined to be insufficient for other benefit consideration.

Professional Services

Applicants must meet all basic requirements.
The requested assistance includes qualified professional service areas.
- Professional service areas include: accounting, budgeting, tax return preparation, human resources, payroll processing, financial planning and investments, debt management, technology coaching, and financial statement review.
There is a reasonable budget for such assistance.

Existing Businesses

Applicants must meet all basic requirements.
Business activation occurred within 5 years or 60 months of application.
The applicant’s individual current net worth is $200,000 or less, excluding their primary residence.
To assist with the processing of your application, please have your 2024 taxes completed.
The applicant’s business plan must include historical financials, for the years they have been operating, including projected gross revenues or sales, costs of doing business (itemized), and net revenues or gross profits (e.g., gross revenues minus costs of doing business.)
The applicant’s business plan must include projected financials, for at least three years, including projected gross revenues or sales, costs of doing business (itemized), and net revenues or gross profits (e.g., gross revenues minus costs of doing business.)
The applicant’s historical gross sales or revenues (e.g., sales before costs) cannot exceed year-over-year growth of more than 25%.
There is an itemized budget for grant assistance being requested.
Disclosure of grant requirements with affirmation by the applicant.
The applicant and their business are in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, professional certifications, licenses, and/or property permits.

New Businesses

Applicants must meet all basic requirements.
Business activation occurred within 24 months of application.
The applicant’s individual taxable income for 2024 is $55,000 or less.
The applicant’s current net worth is $200,000 or less, excluding their primary residence.
To assist with the processing of your application, please have your 2024 taxes completed.
The applicant’s business plan should include at least financial projections for one year including projected gross revenues or sales, costs of doing business (itemized), and net revenues or gross profits (e.g., gross revenues minus costs of doing business.)
There is an itemized budget for grant assistance being requested.
Disclosure of grant requirements with affirmation by the applicant.
The applicant and their business are in compliance with Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, professional certifications, licenses, and/or property permits.

Any applications that are incomplete or do not meet the requirements outlined above will be denied.

If you have previously received funding, you are ineligible to apply again. If you have received Business Planning Assistance, you may apply for a grant or professional services.

For Spanish Language report, please contact Mabel via email at nsbaagrant@cfra.org.

Resource Providers

To apply for Program benefits, applicants must be shovel-ready, meaning:

They are working with a resource provider.
They have a business plan that clearly identifies the purpose and activities of the business, the target market, sales, and financial projections for one to three years.

These resources can help you review and fine-tune your business game plan, including your targeted customer markets and projected revenues.

Local Resources:

Your community’s economic development director.
Local bank.
A Certified Public Accountant
An experienced local businessperson.
Your regional Development District.
Entrepreneurship Centers
Start-up Incubators and Academies
Local Chambers of Commerce

Statewide Resources:

If you currently do not have a resource provider, we recommend that you utilize SourceLink Nebraska to find a resource partner.
Other Resources include:

Contact Us

Whether you’re just starting out or are currently operating your business, GROW Nebraska^® is ready to help. We’re here to listen and learn about your needs, so that we can provide resources tailored to your specific situation.